The rare astronomical phenomenon began at 6.18pm, reaching maximum coverage at 7.14pm and ending at 8.07pm.
People were advised not to look directly at the Sun and were warned that sunglasses, smoked glass, photographic filters, gelatine filters and crossed polarisers were not suitable.
With specially designed solar viewing glasses quickly selling out, sky watchers got creative, using methods including colanders and pinhole projectors to safely watch the eclipse.
See our pictures of locals enjoying the spectacle, along with photographs sent in by our readers, below.
25. In Selsey, the eclipse could be captured in all its stages
Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth turn out for solar eclipse. Photo: Janet Corner
26. Locals set up cameras at Selsey West Beach
Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth turn out for solar eclipse. Photo: Diane Nicholls
27. On Bognor Regis Pier, only a thin crescent of sunlight was visible
Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth turn out for solar eclipse. Photo: Sergejs Discoverys